RegulationRegulation
Finland's 2027 casino opening: what changes for players and suppliers
A new Finnish slot distribution deal highlights the transition ahead. Online casino competition starts on 1 July 2027, while software licensing obligations follow in 2028.
A supplier launch does not mean the market has opened
Wazdan announced on 2 November 2026 that three of its slots were available through Finnish state operator Veikkaus, distributed using Light & Wonder's aggregation platform. The initial games are Hot Slot: 777 Platinum Crown, Hot Slot: 777 Gold Crown and Mighty Hot: 777. Independent industry reporting on 4 November confirmed the arrangement and listed further titles planned for later release.
The launch is a supplier agreement within Finland's existing system, not the start of an open online casino market. Finland's government says Veikkaus retains its exclusive position until the end of June 2027. Other companies cannot begin running or marketing licensed gambling games merely because they have applied for a future licence.
Three separate dates matter
Applications for gambling operating licences opened on 1 March 2026, with the National Police Board handling applications during the transition. Finland's government states that licensed online casino and betting services may begin operating on 1 July 2027, when the Finnish Supervisory Agency assumes licensing and supervisory responsibilities.
A further requirement follows on 1 July 2028: holders of gambling and exclusive licences may then use gambling software only from holders of a gambling software licence. That later software deadline should not be confused with the 2027 opening date for operators. The government listed a EUR 29,000 fee for a gambling or exclusive licence in its January 2026 fee announcement.
What players should expect
The new regime opens online slots, online casino games, betting and online money bingo to licensed competition. Finland's government says lottery-type games, scratch cards and physical casino and slot games remain under the exclusive licence. The reform does not legalize every offshore casino or erase licensing requirements.
The law retains an 18-year age minimum and requires strong identification. It also provides for a centralized self-exclusion system, player-level transfer limits and monitoring for gambling harm. A new supplier appearing at Veikkaus now therefore tells players little about which competing casino brands will actually be licensed and available from July 2027.